Abolition of Roaming Charges 'Common Sense'

Published: 2 September, 2013

Sinn Féin Councillor Marty McColgan has said the decision by mobile company 'Three' to abolish roaming charges across the island of Ireland is a 'common sense approach'. He was speaking after Three announced that customers would be able to receive data and use their mobiles at no extra cost throughout the entire country.

"This will come as welcome news to all Three customers in the Island of Ireland. Sinn Féin has consistently made the argument for such a common sense approach to be taken by mobile companies and whilst those on unlimited plans will be subject to some restrictions this is a broadly welcome move.

"As it currently stands many mobile costumers living in close proximity to the Tyrone and Donegal and Tyrone and Monaghan borders are subjected to expensive roaming charges. People living in the north but travelling to work or on holidays to the south are being hit with excruciated roaming charges to use their phone. This move by Three will ensure that their customers on pay monthly, Pay-As-You-Go, SIM-only, mobile broadband and business plans will not be faced with such charges.

"It is my hope that this initiative will the first in a series of moves by mobile companies to abolish expensive roaming charges throughout Ireland as such a move will ensure customers get more value for their money from mobile phone companies.

In addition to Ireland the 'Feel At Home' service is also available in Australia, Italy, Austria, Hong Kong, Sweden and Denmark and the service will automatically activate as soon as the plane touches down in one of the listed countries.